La Puebla Fire District

URGENT INFORMATION -
Visible smoke in the Santa Fe area is from a wildfire located north of Truchas, NM. There is no threat to Santa Fe County residents. Please do not call 911 regarding this incident.

El Valle Fire Update

Carson National Forest fire crews and local fire departments this afternoon continued to take suppression actions on the El Valle Fire, near the community of El Valle, N.M. The fire is estimated to be 200-400 acres. More accurate acreage may be available in the morning after a planned infrared flight this evening or early morning.

Accompanied by helicopters and air tankers, firefighters took direct actions to keep the fire from growing and to protect communities. Such actions will continue Saturday. One outbuilding has been damaged.

The following evacuation statuses, based on the Ready, Set, Go! System, are in place, according to the Taos County Sheriff’s Department:

- Go: El Valle and Las Trampas
- Set: Chamisal, Llano San Juan, Ojitos, Ojo Sarco, Upper Ojitos
- Ready: Rodarte, Santa Barbara, Hodges, Truchas

Evacuation centers are located at Truchas Services Center (60 County Road 75, Truchas, N.M. 87578) and Peñasco Community Center (14136 NM-75 Peñasco, NM 87553).

Closures include Highway 76 between Truchas and south of Chamisal and Santa Barbara Campground.

The fire was first reported at 12:49 p.m. Its cause remains under investigation. 10 engines, one hotshot crew, three dozers and air resources are assigned.

An InciWeb page is availabe for this incident at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/nmcaf-el-valle-fire

Firefighters are responding to a wildfire about 44 miles northwest of Santa Fe in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness of the Coyote Ranger District. It’s called the Black Feather Fire and is estimated at 1,500 acres. The lightning-caused fire started Saturday, Aug. 5, and is being managed with a full suppression response.

Numerous aircraft are assigned to the incident including five large air tankers (LATs), one very large air tanker (VLAT), helicopters, air attack, and a lead plane. In addition, several hotshot crews have been ordered.

Due to the fast-growing wildfire, some areas have been placed in SET status to be prepared to evacuate if necessary. There will be an evacuation center established at the Coyote Senior Center. The Rio Arriba Sheriffs Office is coordinating evacuations. More info is available at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079688263048

Fire behavior is very active this afternoon and a large smoke column is visible across Northern New Mexico. With hot, dry, windy weather in the forecast, fire managers are expecting similar behavior over the next several days. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

This is an emerging incident, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. An InciWeb: page for this incident has been launched at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/nmsnf-black-feather-fire

Crews are continuing to work the 450-acre American Mesa Fire today by securing the fire's edge and patrolling for hotspots outside containment lines. Containment remains at 8%. Air resources are expected to be available to assist later today.

We are planning to transition management of fire to a Type 3 Incident Management Team this evening. Incident management teams are dispatched to incidents to provide a command and control infrastructure in order to manage the operational, logistical, informational, planning, fiscal, community, political and safety issues associated with complex incidents.

Fire information will continue to be posted here on Facebook and available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/nmcaf-american-mesa-fire

(Photo: A hazy sunrise over the American Mesa Fire on Mon., Aug 7, 2023)

Due to Hot, dry, and unstable atmospheric conditions increasing in Santa Fe County with temperatures much above typical peak fire season maximums, humidity of 15% or less and a Haines Indes of 5+ The Santa Fe County Fire Marshal has issued the following restrictions as of Friday, July 14:
1. Santa Fe County burn permits are SUSPENDED until further order of the Fire Marshal
2. New burn permits will not be issued until further order of the Fire Marshal
3. Open burning is PROHIBITED in the unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County until further order of the Fire Marshal
4. Violation of the Order shall constitute a violation of Chapter 3, Section 307.1 of the Fire Code
PLEASE DO NOT BURN!!

Fentanyl is a deadly opioid that poses a significant threat to individuals and our communities. Let's work together to educate, prevent, and protect. Know the risks, recognize the signs, and take action.
Together, we can combat the fentanyl crisis.

Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County is now in "High Fire Danger" status.
🔥Fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily.
🔥Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape.
🔥Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels.
🔥Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.

Be sure your house number is visible from the street, because when an emergency happens, every second counts!
As a courtesy to aid the public and emergency services, the Santa Fe County GIS Division can assist with posting address numbers in the unincorporated areas of Santa Fe County.
To report missing or faded red and white address numbers, please contact the E-911 Addressing Section by email or phone.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (505) 995-2732
For a list of commonly asked questions, please visit the E911 website at: https://www.santafecountynm.gov/growth-management/e911

Most homes ignited by wildfires are caused by embers or small flames. Homeowners can minimize property damage and protect firefighters by taking steps around your property before a wildfire happens. Thank you for doing your part to stop wildfires!

Actions You Can Take Today
👉Minimize Flammable Debris: Keep roofs and rain gutters free of pine needles, leaves, and other flammable material.
👉Keep firewood and other flammable debris a minimum of 50 feet from the house, preferably on the uphill side.
👉Remove all trees and large shrubs within 30 feet of the home.
To a distance of 100 feet (200 feet on steep lots), remove some trees and shrubs to create 10 feet of space between adjoining tree’s outermost branches. Prune lower branches of remaining trees up to 10 feet off the ground.

SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES INCREASE PATROLS AND PRESENCE AT SANTUARIO FOR 2023 PILGRIMAGE

Public Safety the Priority

This year during Holy Week thousands of people are expected to converge onto roadways in Santa Fe County to walk to Chimayo in observance of the Easter holiday. Many pilgrims walk along heavily trafficked roads, such as NM 502, 503, and U.S. 84/285.

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Deputies have increased traffic patrols and their overall presence on roads and in communities.

Historically, the majority of walkers start their trek to Chimayo on Holy Thursday but pilgrims have already begun their trek.

The enhanced law enforcement efforts by sheriff’s deputies include DWI checkpoints and traffic enforcement patrols.

On Thursday evening, April 6th, sheriff’s deputies will begin distributing glow-in-the-dark sticks to walkers. The distribution of the glow sticks is a public safety measure, which helps to make walkers more visible to motorists at night.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza encourages walkers to take extra precautions to be more visible along the roadways, especially if they are walking at night.

Walkers can purchase reflective tape and apply it to clothing or wear reflective safety vests over their clothing.

Sheriff’s deputies will be assisted by other area law enforcement agencies, including the New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe Police Department, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, during the 2023 Santuario Pilgrimage.

Motorists are reminded to reduce speeds and drive as far away from the road shoulder as possible. “It’s very important that people driving cars pay attention to their speed and keep an eye on the road for those people walking along the roadway,” said Sheriff Mendoza.

The following safety tips are provided for walkers:

• Wear bright clothing, especially if you are walking at night
• Take a flashlight and water
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Don’t cross onto the roadway
• Do not walk in highway medians
• Walk in groups of at least three or more for safety reasons
• Call 911 for emergencies

Wildfire Safety Tips from Marshal Blay -

👉Get a Burn Permit
https://www.santafecountynm.gov/fire/burn-permit
👉Prior to each and every open burning, call the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC) 505-428-3710 or 800-742-1144
👉A garden hose connected to a water supply, 4-A rated fire extinguisher, shovel, or other approved fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available at the burning site.
👉Burning material/s shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment, familiar with the Terms and Conditions for Open Burning, and shall supervise the burning material until the fire has been extinguished.
👉Call 9-1-1 immediately if the fire becomes out of control.
👉Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure or other combustible material. Conditions which could cause the fire to spread to within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
👉No open burning shall be permitted on red flag days.
👉Local wind or gusts shall not exceed 10 mph.
👉Open burning shall only be performed when times, wind velocity, and burn restrictions comply with the limits set forth in this open burning permit.
👉The Fire Department and/or Law Enforcement is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if it is determined that smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property, or it constitutes a hazardous condition.
👉IN THE EVENT THE SANTA FE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SHOULD IMPLEMENT BURN RESTRICTIONS DURING THE TERM OF THIS PERMIT, THIS PERMIT IS ‘VOID’ UNTIL OPEN BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE RESCINDED
👉Open burning of rubbish or garbage containing paper or household waste products is prohibited.

Please be extremely careful if you're out shopping or at a restaurant! Watch your surroundings, and please be safe till this guy is apprehended...

It is with great sadness we announce we lost a former member of Santa Fe County Fire Department. Donald Mathiasen passed away at the beginning of July. Don was friend, a brother, and a former member of Pojoaque District for over 6-years. He was a friend of many of our brothers, sisters, and community in the Northern Region and throughout the State.
Those of you who knew Don knew he had a servant heart and was a kind sole. He always had a smile and an encouraging word to share. He often gifted many of us with eggs and the fruits of his labor from his farm. Don dedicated his life to public service not only as Firefighter with Santa Fe County Fire Department but he also worked as Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Deputy, Espanola Dispatcher, New Mexico National guard member, and he was a Chaplin. He recently retired from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department before moving to Oklahoma.
A Memorial Service will be conducted Friday, July 15, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at the Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light located at 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505

In Memoriam
DONALD MATHIASEN
former Santa Fe County Deputy

Donald Mathiasen, a resident of Jacona, New Mexico, passed away on July 3, 2022 in Oklahoma.

Donald Mathiasen was born on June 7, 1968 in El Paso, Texas. He attended Catholic School, received an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, graduated from the Santa Fe Police Department, served in the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department, worked for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management team.

He also received a Bachelor's Degree in Theology, was a volunteer firefighter for the Santa Fe County Fire Department and a volunteer Chaplain for the New Mexico National Guard of Espanola.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office extends our sincerest condolences to Donald Mathiasen's family. We thank him for his many years of public service in our community.

We want to thank the Santa Fe County (NM) Fire and EMS - La Puebla Fire Department for the recent order of a Pierce Commercial Tanker! Thank you for choosing Pierce and Siddons-Martin Emergency Group!

MIDNIGHT FIRE EVACUATION STATUS UPDATES

New evacuation statuses were announced by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office at tonight's 8 p.m. meeting. Here's the full list:

GO
- Potrero
- Valle de los Caballos

SET
- Vallecitos

READY
- El Rito
- Placitas
- Petaca
- NM 519 communities

What actions should be taken under each status? Read New Mexico's guidance here: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/fire-prevention-programs/ready-set-go-new-mexico/

(Correction: An earlier version of this post accidently said NM 518. It should have been NM 519)

MIDNIGHT FIRE SATURDAY EVENING UPDATE

Acres: 3,500 | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 200 | Start Date: June 9, 2022 | Cause: Under Investigation | Start Point: 8 miles NNE of El Rito in Rio Arriba County | Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass.

COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
There will be a live meeting broadcast on Carson National Forest page tonight at 8:00 p.m.: https://www.facebook.com/CarsonNF/videos/377396837577207

HIGHLIGHTS
The fire generally spread south and east today. Crews both on the ground and in the air engaged the fire as it pushed eastward out of Potrero Canyon at Forest Road 123 near its intersection with Forest Road 44.

The reported size remains at 3,500 acres until an infrared flight operation tonight occurs to more accurately map the fire. Containment remains at 0%. Personnel and equipment continue to be ordered.

The community of Potrero, just south of where the fire started, has been put under a GO evacuation status by the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office. No other areas are under an evacuation status at this time.

WEATHER
Hot and dry conditions persisted today with temperatures reaching into the low 90s and the relative humidity reaching into single digits. Critical fire weather conditions will return Sunday with a very low relative humidity, gusty winds and an unstable hot airmass.

EVACUATIONS
The community of Potrero is under a GO evacuation status. For emergency alerts in Rio Arriba County, sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807.

CLOSURES
The Carson National Forest has been under Stage 3 fire restrictions, which closes the Forest, since May 17.

AIR QUALITY
Complimentary mobile HEPA air filter units are available to nearby smoke sensitive residents. They can be checked out at the El Rito Ranger Station. Call 575-581-4554 to reserve. The units are courtesy of the Forest Stewards Guild and the Carson National Forest.

(This post originally had a note about the closure of Forest Road 44. The Forest is currently closed under Stage 3 fire restrictions, but a limited number of individuals have authorized permission to enter the forest for permitted business operations. The road was closed to those individuals for a short time earlier in the day and has since reopened.)

Updated Infrared acreage is 301,971 reported as of 6:25 am.

and - May 18 2022 6:00 am
Combined Acreage: 299,565
Containment: 34%
Personnel: 1,958

Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires
May 18, 2022, Daily Update, 08:00AM

𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐬: 301,971| 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 34% | 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥: 1,958
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022 | 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Under investigation | 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Located near Gallinas Canyon 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires have been divided into three zones: East Zone, West Zone and South Zone. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will have command of the West Zone, which includes Taos County, and Mora County west of the NM Highway 434 corridor to the San Miguel County Line. California Incident Management Team 2 (CAIMT2) has now taken command of the East Zone of the fire. This area roughly encompasses the affected area of Colfax County and Mora County east of the 434 corridor, south to the San Miguel County line. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 (SWAIMT3) is in command of the South Zone, which consists of the fire area within San Miguel County. Residents of San Miguel, Mora, Taos, and Colfax Counties should remain on high alert for changes to evacuation statuses and road closures.

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌𝐓𝟏): Crews, heavy equipment and aircraft continue work on the northwest corner of the fire. Yesterday, there was active fire south of Angostura, but focused efforts along NM Highway 518 toward the junction with CR 75, in the Taos Canyon area and near Chacon helped limit fire spread along lines in the West Zone. Firefighters continue to address areas of heat along the western edge. The West Zone includes the areas west of Mora, Holman, Cleveland, Ledoux and other communities west of the 434 corridor. Resources remain actively engaged in these areas.

𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐓𝟐): Yesterday, firefighters made significant progress on the north and northeast portions of the fire, adding additional containment line and working to cool hot spots along the fire’s perimeter. Today, fire resources will work to connect existing fireline north to the Luna Fire (2020) burn scar and will continue constructing fireline towards Angel Fire and throughout the East Zone. Contingency planning will continue for areas north of Highway 64.

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐌𝐓𝟑): Monday afternoon rain provided a small amount of precipitation over the fire’s south zone, temporarily diminishing fire activity. Crews worked directly on the fireline in the Pecos River corridor and along the west perimeter to reestablish previously compromised contingency lines. A third structure protection group has been created to address increased needs in the Pecos Valley corridor and nearby communities. Crews on the east perimeter observed minimal fire activity while continuing to patrol, monitor fire lines, and recover equipment. The fire in the wilderness continues but has been slowed by the Trampas Fire burn scar and rocky terrain.

𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/HermitsPeak for the evacuation map and follow:
San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: San Miguel County Sheriff's Office
Mora County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: Mora County Sheriff's Office
Taos County Sheriff’s Office Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064642843163

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫: Partly cloudy in the morning with a cold front pushing south across the eastern plains. Becoming mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms developing after noon. Winds will be west-southwest at 12-18 mph with gusts to 27 mph across the higher exposed areas, east-northeast 7-11 mph through 9 AM, becoming south-southeast 12-15 mph with gusts to 20 mph for the valleys and sheltered areas. High temperatures will be in the upper 60s and 70s. Minimum relative humidity in the 10-15 % range.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Carson National Forest Camino Real Ranger District closure order and map: fs.usda.gov/alerts/carson/alerts-notices. Santa Fe National Forest Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District closure order and map: fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprd3802009. BLM New Mexico Fire Restrictions https://tinyurl.com/BLMNewMexico.

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞: An interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: [email protected]
Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8069/ | Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fire | nmfireinfo.com/

and – Map May 18, 2022
Reported acreage for the combined fires is 301,971.

Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Fires:
Smoke Outlook- May 18, 2022- (updated in real time)

https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/6cfc6b93

FOREST TO CLOSE THURSDAY

Carson National Forest managers will implement Stage 3 fire restrictions to close the entire Forest to public entry beginning Thursday, May 19, at 8:00 a.m. Fire danger remains extreme with record conditions only expected to worsen over the foreseeable future.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions or forest closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts to businesses and communities. The Forest coordinates fire restrictions and forest closures with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

“The hot and dry conditions we’re experiencing pose a dire risk for wildfires to quickly ignite and spread rapidly,” said Carson National Forest Supervisor James Duran. “Community compliance will be essential for our success in protecting the forest amid these conditions.”

Businesses and communities surrounded by the Carson National Forest will remain open, but campgrounds, trails and National Forest System roads will close. Stage 2 fire restrictions will remain in effect for any entities given permission to enter the forest (e.g. utilities performing critical infrastructure work).

The Camino Real Ranger District closed last week after the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires crossed over the Forest boundary from the Santa Fe National Forest, which will also close Thursday (a portion of Cibola National Forest will close the same day, too).

The last time the Forest closed was in late June 2018, when conditions were similar. Extreme conditions occurred earlier this year, however, and are already more severe than most on record.

The Forest Order (and its exhibit) implementing the closure will be rescinded after significant moisture has been received and overall conditions improve. At this time, there is no sign of significant precipitation in the near-term forecast. Any short duration rains, cloud cover, cooler temps or higher humidity may only provide temporary relief.

Violations of violating the order are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 3 restrictions will be ticketed.

The Santa Fe County Commissioners and Santa Fe County Fire Department will present its second special town hall event addressing wildfire prevention and preparedness today, Wednesday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Pojoaque Fire Station 1, 17919 US 84/285, Santa Fe, NM 87506.
Santa Fe County's leadership wants our residents to be as prepared as possible to respond to an emergency and ensure they are signed up for emergency alerts before there is a need to communicate.
Attendees at these events will learn from experts how to best prevent and prepare for wildfires by utilizing the County's Ready, Set, Go, Personal Wildfire Action Plan and Alert Santa Fe emergency notification system. We will explain the importance of these tools, and how these two campaigns are integral to preserving our safety when faced with wildfire events like the Complex (Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon) fire in San Miguel County.
A question and answer session will follow and staff will be on hand to assist community members to sign up for Alert Santa Fe.
Due to the overwhelming attendance at last week's town hall, we encourage attendees to arrive early and to bring their own camping chair(s) to ensure seating.
The Town Hall will be streamed live on the County's page and the County Fire Department's page.

Santa Fe County has moved to Extreme Fire Danger Level!!!

Santa Fe County, New Mexico is now at the "EXTREME" fire danger level. What does this mean?
👉Fires will start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely.
👉 ALL fires are potentially serious.
👉 Development into high-intensity burning will usually occur from smaller fires.
👉A direct firefighting attack is rarely possible, and very dangerous, except immediately after ignition.
👉 Fires that develop headway in heavy slash or in conifer stands will most likely be unmanageable.
👉 The only effective and safe control action for firefighters is on the flanks (sides) of the fire.

Please use extreme caution, and abide by the Burn Ban that is in effect.

Now listen here, kid, you just hit the lottery; you have the greatest job in the world. Kids look up to you, the elderly see you like the good old days, and grown men call you on their worst day. You're what's good in man, service. This job owes you nothing, so live as though you owe it everything. Our citizens have given you automatic trust because of all those who came before you, don't blow it. Get in there and make a difference, leave it better than you found it, and do your job.

- Fit To Fight Fire

Photo by John Cetrino

Pictured is retired firefighter
Bobby Athanas FDNY Rescue 3

***Santa Fe County is now under a Fireworks Ban***
The sale and ban of fireworks this year is solely related to protecting lives and property during this period of exceptional drought in Santa Fe County.

The most recent Resolution, unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners on May 10th 2022, has been put into place to avoid accidental fires that can quickly destroy public and private property and threaten lives.

We highly recommend Santa Fe County residents avoid the exceptional hazards associated with consumer fireworks this year and seek out professionally produced public displays or other means to celebrate our nation’s independence.

Please obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. We are only a spark away from the next wildfire.